Sex-based differences in outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is the gold standard treatment for complex coronary revascularization. Despite advancements in the field, females continue to experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality post-CABG surgery compared to males. Such differences may be explained by smaller coronary anatomy, technically more challenging surgery, delayed diagnosis leading to a more complex disease process at presentation, different use of surgical techniques, and the under-representation of females in cardiac surgery. Potential targeted strategies to improve surgical outcomes in females post-CABG surgery may include the creation of specialized clinics focused on female cardiovascular health, clinical trials that focus on recruitment of female participants in the primary analysis, and increased female physician representation in cardiac surgery. This narrative review provides an in-depth summary of sex-based differences in CABG surgery outcomes, with a focus on the most recent published literature.